A pilot project called SeaCURE has started on the south coast of England. This unique experiment aims to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the sea, not the air. It’s funded by the UK government and is part of the fight against climate change.
Why the Ocean is the Target, Not the Air
Most carbon capture efforts focus on catching CO2 from factories or pulling it from the atmosphere. But the SeaCURE team believes the sea might be a better option because ocean water contains 150 times more CO2 than air.
How the SeaCURE System Works
The SeaCURE plant in Weymouth pulls seawater through a pipe from the Atlantic Ocean. Inside the facility, the water is treated to become more acidic. This change forces the dissolved carbon to escape into the air.
What Happens to the Released Carbon?
Once CO2 is released from the seawater, it is captured and stored. The system uses charred coconut husks to trap the gas. The treated, low-carbon seawater is then neutralized and returned to the ocean, where it can absorb more CO2 again.
A Simple Explanation from the Scientist
Professor Tom Bell from Plymouth Marine Laboratory compared the process to opening a fizzy drink. “When you pour soda, the gas bubbles out,” he said. “We’re doing the same by spreading seawater on a wide surface to help CO2 escape faster.”
Why SeaCURE Could Be More Effective
Dr. Paul Halloran, who leads the project, explained that seawater has far more CO2 than the air. However, it also needs a lot of energy to extract that carbon. That’s why future versions of SeaCURE would need to use renewable energy like solar panels at sea.
How Much Carbon Can It Really Remove?
Right now, the project removes only about 100 metric tonnes of CO2 a year—the same as 100 transatlantic flights. But scientists say it has the potential to be scaled up. If just 1% of ocean surface water is processed, the system could remove up to 14 billion tonnes of CO2 each year.
Floating Solar Power Could Make It Possible
For SeaCURE to work on a global scale, it needs green energy. Researchers are considering floating solar-powered facilities in the ocean to make this large-scale carbon removal practical and sustainable.
Carbon Capture Is Crucial for Climate Goals
Experts from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change say that cutting emissions isn’t enough—we must also remove the CO2 that’s already in the atmosphere. Whether it’s through the sea or the air, carbon capture will play a key role in reaching net-zero.
What About the Sea Life?
Researchers are also studying the effects of low-carbon seawater on marine animals. Guy Hooper from the University of Exeter is testing mussels and plankton in labs. Some sea creatures use carbon to build their shells or for photosynthesis.
Could It Harm the Ocean Ecosystem?
Hooper says releasing a large amount of low-carbon water might affect marine life. But there could be ways to reduce that harm, such as diluting the treated water before releasing it. Scientists believe it’s important to study these effects early.
Backed by Government Funding
SeaCURE has received £3 million in funding and is one of 15 similar UK pilot projects. Energy Minister Kerry McCarthy said it supports green technology and skilled jobs while helping to reduce greenhouse gases.
